Rachel Lee Kennett

Rachel Lee Welch Kennett, 84, of Bluefield, WV, passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side on Thursday, November 10, 2022. Rachel was born April 8, 1938 in McComas, WV to Charles Glenn Welch and Nora  Lee Wolfrey Welch. Rachel was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a friend to many in her community. She was passionate about her walk with the Lord, spending time with family, and playing board games and crosswords. Rachel spent her working years doing book-keeping, babysitting, and working at Kresgee’s Department Store, before transitioning into a joyous career taking care of her two beautiful daughters. Rachel loved music, playing the piano, and singing at home and church.

Rachel is survived by her beloved husband, Ronnie “Fweetie” of 64 years; children, Sharon Wellman and her husband Carey of Bluefield, WV, Rhonda Bishop and her husband Kevin, of Bluefield, WV; grandsons, Andrew Burnopp and Shawn Wellman and his wife Bethany; and great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Austin Burnopp, and London Wellman. Rachel is also survived by her brothers, Glen and Sylvia Welch and Jimmy “Jake” and Marsha Welch; and sisters, Donna (and the late Donald “Duke”) Heisterman and Mary Ruth and Freeman “Junior” Davis. Rachel was preceded in her heavenly reward by David Lee, Florence Taylor, Virginia Hamilton, Rosie Dillon, Catherine Worley, and Dorothy Cardwell.

Funeral Services will be conducted 2:00 PM Sunday, November 13, 2022 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Novell, Rev. Gene Kennett, and Otis Bishop officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park where family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Kennett family.